Dear Friends, Spring 2026

A letter to the Share Community from our Executive Director

Dear Friends,

This morning I woke to the sound of birds chirping right outside my window, and a sliver of sunlight peeking through the cracks in my curtains. My first thoughts of the day were, “Sunlight, Spring. You’re finally here. Welcome.”

After the long days of Missouri winter, I welcome these burgeoning signs of Spring. They inspire me to gently lean into hope that the heaviness of the winter will soon become lighter, and the days longer, brighter, more colorful.  I hope that you might feel that gentle pull toward hope, too. I know that for some of you, the change in the season may hard to embrace--those heavy winter days reflect the heavy feelings of your grief, and stepping into Spring may feel impossible, like your feet simply cannot move. It can be so difficult to see the world move into a season of new life when the new life you have dreamed of isn’t here with you as you imagined they’d be. As much as we sometimes wish we could rush grief, it often demands that we take our time.

Know that no matter where your heart is this first day of Spring, whether you are feeling hopeful or unready for change, you are not alone. Share has so many opportunities for support through those difficult days. Here at the National Office, a support group meets in person on the 2^nd Tuesday of each month, and our staff and trained Companions lead an online chat every Tuesday, too. No matter where you are in the world, you can join in and find the support of other bereaved parents who are navigating the challenges and emotions of grieving for their baby. And always, the Share staff and I are here to answer the phone, an email, or a message if that is the way you prefer to connect, to listen and provide support, no matter where you are on your journey.

When it comes to support, Share is always growing the ways we connect with families struggling through the loss of a baby. Some of you may know that March is Pregnancy after Loss Awareness Month, and I am so pleased to announce that the National Office is now hosting an in-person support group for bereaved parents who are pregnant or considering welcoming a new baby into their family. This group meets on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month, and there is an online meeting that same night, too. Please join in whichever way you are most comfortable. You’ll find the gentle understanding and support of parents who are also seeking to welcome a new baby into their family after experiencing the heartbreak of losing the child who came before.

With programs like these, the Share community continues to grow and gently walk beside one another as we honor our babies, remember with love, and take those first steps toward hope on this unexpected journey. It is, always, our honor to walk with you.

With the arrival of Spring, I find myself reflecting on all the hopeful, promising changes happening here at the National Office over the past few months, and I’d like to share a few highlights with you. In January, Share moved into a new, cozy office space, just across the hall from where we were. The new space is perfect for our staff, and for our families; we still have the Comfort Room, and a warm, welcoming place for Share families to visit, receive support, and meet for group. The transition was smooth and we’ve made ourselves right at home!

In February, we launched our new website as part of our ongoing commitment to support our families, caregivers, and Share Chapter leaders with meaningful resources, connection, and guidance. The website continues to grow and evolve, and we are excited to be able to increase our impact with the new site.

The Run for Share 5k & 10k was held last month in St. Charles, and was a beautiful day of spreading awareness, raising funds, and building new relationships within our community. We are already looking forward to next year-- save the date for February 27, 2027.

This month, preparations for our fundraising gala, A Share Speakeasy, are in full swing and we are quite looking forward to April 25^th! We know this will be a very special event and would love for you to join us. The annual Share Your Knowledge Trivia Night is also in April, and I hope to see many new and familiar faces there. These events are wonderful opportunities for us to gather and socialize as a community—they are truly two of my favorite nights of the year. While they are both fun and meaningful, they also provide essential fundraising support for the National Office. Please join us if you are able!

We are also looking forward to attending PLIDA’s International Perinatal Bereavement Conference in May—Share was a founding member of PLIDA, the Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Alliance, and we are proud to be sponsoring, presenting, and attending again this year. This conference is a wonderful opportunity to build knowledge, connection and nurture relationships within the perinatal bereavement and research communities. We hope to see many of our colleagues and Share Chapter Leaders in New Orleans!

As time marches forward and Spring begins, I am grateful for the many opportunities that lie ahead for Share and for the growth I see happening every day—in this organization, our community, and the gentle start of new life around us. I invite you to listen and lean into what your heart needs this Spring, and trust we are here for you as you as you step into this next season of your journey.

With love and hope,

Jenn Stachula

Executive Director